To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to his answer of 28 April 2004, Official Report, columns 1068–69W, on China (coercive population control), how and by whom the independent monitoring and evaluation of the impact of UN FPA's work in China is carried out; and if he will make a statement. [172985]

In 2002, an impact survey was conducted by the China Population and Information Research Centre (CPIRC). Using funds provided by DFID, Southampton University provided technical assistance and quality control in the process of preparing the impact survey report.In the current country programme which lasts from 2003 to 2005, the baseline survey and monitoring are funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and conducted jointly by CPIRC and the Chinese Ministry of Health. The baseline was completed in September last year. DFID is again providing funding to Southampton for quality control of the surveys. The total amount of funding from DFID is £99,200.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the total amount of UK development aid to African countries has been since 1992. [172502]

The total amount of UK development aid to African countries since 1992 is set out in the first table. This includes development expenditure by DFID, other government departments and the CDC (formerly the Commonwealth Development Corporation), whose recent reorganisation will greatly enhance its ability to mobilise investment into Africa. The fluctuations in this series are due to volatility in CDC investments and debt relief over which DFID has no control.

Total UK Development Programme to Africa
	£ million
1992–93	521
1993–94	458
1994–95	475
1995–96	436
1996–97	445
1997–98	450
1998–99	574
1999–2000	631
2000–01	783
2001–02	879
2002–03	871
Source:
Statistics on International Development and Statistics database.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the countries which have reached decision point in the highly indebted poor countries initiative will receive their irrevocable debt relief. [172463]

Thirteen of the 27 countries that have qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative have reached Completion Point, the stage at which they receive an irrevocable reduction in their stock of debt. The next country expected to receive irrevocable debt relief is Ghana, which is expected to reach Completion Point by July 2004. A further five countries—Cameroon, Chad, Madagascar, Malawi and Rwanda—are expected to reach Completion Point by the end of 2004. Of the remaining countries, seven—Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone and Zambia—are expected to reach Completion Point in 2005, and one, the Democratic Republic of Congo by the end of 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will place in the Library a copy of the recent report on UK mine action funding policy. [171053]

In reviewing its current policy on humanitarian mine action DFID commissioned an internal report to assist in the decision making process. The report is exempt from release under Part II, section 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information on the basis that to do so would harm the frankness candour of internal discussion.The resulting changes in policy from the review have been announced to the House in a Statement dated 10 May. I have also written to the Chair of the Commons All Party Landmine Eradication Group and the Heads of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Mine Action Team and the main UK based Non-Governmental Organisations working in the Humanitarian Landmine Sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what actions his Department is taking to work with the UN World Food Programme and other non-governmental organisations to assist refugees in Sudan. [171118]

There are approximately 100,000 refugees currently in Sudan. These are of Eritrean origin and are being supported by the World Food Programme's (WFP) Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation. DFID does not contribute to this World Food Programme operation.Since October 2003, DFID has provided the following for World Food Programme operations in Sudan.

Beneficiaries	Amount (£ million)
Sudanese affected by conflict in Darfur	2
Sudanese refugees from Darfur in Eastern Chad	1
Sudanese population affected by war and natural disasters	3
Further support for Sudanese affected by worsening conflict in Darfur	2

DFID also provided £2 million to UNHCR in the last financial year for the assistance of Sudanese refugees in Chad.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of how the World Bank's Extractive Industries Review will influence future policy-making, with particular reference to (a) the link between extractive industries and poverty alleviation, (b) consultations with indigenous populations before extractive industries are set in place, (c) human rights obligations where extractive industries are about to be set up and (d) giving a higher profile and better funding to renewable energy projects. [172986]

The Government have been actively engaged in the Extractive Industries Review (EIR) process. DFID does not anticipate that the review will significantly influence future UK policy-making. It will however contribute to the ongoing process of improving the sustainable development performance of oil, gas and mining sectors; and the high standards that the World Bank encourages from its partners.DFID supports the main conclusion of the review that the World Bank Group should remain engaged with the extractives sector and agrees that it is important that social and environmental safeguards are rigorously applied, that human rights are respected, and that efforts are made to improve the governance and transparency of revenue flows from the sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to which locations UK military forces have been deployed in Afghanistan in the past six weeks; for what reason in each case; whether the deployed forces have been involved in conflict; and if he will make a statement. [172279]

The United Kingdom currently has military forces routinely deployed in Kabul as part of the International Security Assistance Force, across the five northern provinces of Balkh, Faryab, Jowjzan, Samangan and Sar-e Pol covered by our Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and in both Kabul and Bagram as part of the coalition headquarters. All of these forces are routinely engaged in creating the conditions for stability in Afghanistan, through conflict prevention and resolution; examples during the past six weeks include the PRT's contributions towards facilitating Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in the North, and to calming tensions in Meymanyeh.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the size is of the backlog of members of the Defence Fire Service, RAF fire-fighters and contractors' personnel from military sites for their four-yearly residential refresher training at DFS Central Training Establishment at RAF Manston. [172523]

It is estimated that there are around 1,200 fire fighters whose refresher training is now overdue. This has been caused by a temporary shortage of instructors at the Defence Fire Service Training Establishment at RAF Manston, a situation we expect to remedy over the next three months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on his Department's consideration of the option to transfer Defence Fire Service and related training from Manston to the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh. [172525]

Fire fighter training is included within the scope of the Airfield Support Services Project which is seeking to establish the most cost effective method of providing airfield support, and wider fire services, without compromising operational effectiveness. We are currently in the process of reviewing the bids we have received from the competing consortia and the Public Sector Comparator. Should it be determined that the Defence Fire Services will remain within the public sector we can then reassess the position with regard to the future provision of fire fighter training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the temporary use of the Fire Service College to clear any backlog in refresher training at the Defence Fire Service Central Training Establishment. [172526]

There are no plans for the temporary use of the Fire Service College to deliver the Ministry of Defence refresher training. To provide such training at the Fire Service College would require personnel, equipment and vehicles to be transferred to that location, which would then have a direct impact on other specialist fire training that is undertaken at the Defence Fire Service Central Training Establishment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the US Administration on releasing data on the amount of munitions containing depleted uranium used by US forces during the Iraq war. [166868]

There have been no such discussions as this is a matter for the United States Government. However, officials have advised their US counterparts of the information published by the Ministry of Defence on 1 September 2003, Official Report, column 900W, on the amount of depleted uranium used by United Kingdom forces during the recent conflict in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether British forces were engaged in the siege of Fallujah. [171924]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of troops in Kosovo. [173374]

The United Kingdom normally contributes around 200 personnel to the NATO KFOR mission in Kosovo. In response to the outbreak of violence in mid-March, we deployed the Ready Battalion—the UK contribution to NATO's Over the Horizon reserve for the Balkans—to Kosovo on 17 March to assist in calming tensions. This additional deployment ceased on 17 April 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when a decision will be made on the support vehicle contract; and if he will make a statement. [171574]

On current plans an announcement on the preferred bidder is scheduled for the early summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of the (a) crockery, (b) cutlery and (c) glassware procured by his Department over the last five years is of British manufacture. [170809]

The overriding principle for all purchases by the Wales Office is value for money. It holds a stock of crockery, cutlery and glassware, some of which was manufactured in Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many invoices were not paid by the Wales Office within the target of 30 days in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what the cost was of the late payment of these invoices. [172760]

Of 1,686 invoices paid by the Wales Office in the 2003–04 financial year, 67 or just under 4 per cent. were paid late, with the remainder paid promptly within 30 days.Office is not aware of any charge being incurred as a result of these late payments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of official vehicles used by the Wales Office are run on (a) petrol, (b) diesel, (c) liquid petroleum gas and (d) compressed natural gas. [172776]

The Government Car Service provides the Wales Office with two ministerial cars, both run on petrol.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the average university student debt in Wales was in each year since 1997. [172590]

General measures relating to student finance have not yet been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales.The latest data issued by the Department for Education and Skills (from the Student Income and Expenditure Survey) revealed that the average anticipated student debt from all sources for students graduating in 2002–03 was 8,666 compared with 3,150 (3,465 in real terms) in 1998–99.The previous survey was in 1995–96.There are no separate figures for Welsh students or students studying at Welsh Institutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students whose home is in Wales were at (a) universities in Wales and (b) universities in England in each year since 1997. [172592]

Welsh domiciled full time higher education enrolments at Welsh and English Higher Education Institutions¹ is as follows.

Academic year	Studying in Wales	Studying in England
1996–97	27,980	20,565
1997–98	28,715	20,650
1998–99	29,785	20,340
1999–2000	29,675	20,035
2000–01	30,595	19,900
2001–02	32,300	19,495
2002–03	33,295	19,725
1As at December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library a copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment accompanying the Conduct Regulations for Employment Agencies. [168610]

A copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 was deposited in the Libraries of the House on 27 November 2003. The title of the RIA is the Revision of Regulations for the Private Recruitment Industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received on competition issues in the dairy industry. [170182]

I have been asked to reply.Over time we have received a number of representations from hon. Members and others that have raised matters to do with competition issues in the dairy sector. Where appropriate we have taken these up with the DTI and competition authorities who are responsible for competition policy and its administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many representations the Department has received from citizens advice bureaux about shortages of the Department's leaflets and forms in each year since 1997. [172603]

I am not aware that the Department has received any representations from citizens advice bureaux specifically about shortages of the Department's leaflets and forms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the (a) leaflets and (b) forms supplied by the Department to citizens advice bureaux; and how many of each leaflet were printed in the last 12 months. [172604]

The Department's publications are listed on its website: www.dti.gov.uk/publications. The Department does not produce leaflets and forms specifically for citizens advice bureaux.

Persons1 proceeded against for offences relating to air weapons, England and Wales 1998 to 2002
Offence description	Statute	1998	1999	20002	2001	2002
Possession of air weapon with intent to endanger life	Firearms Act, 1968 Section 16	35	29	27	35	32
Using air weapons or imitation air weapon to resist arrest	Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(1)	1	4	1	—	—
Possessing air weapon or imitation air weapon at time of committing or being arrested for an offence specified in schedule 1 of the act	Firearms Act, 1968 Section 17(2)	34	35	47	11	32
Possessing air weapon or imitation air weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence or resist arrest	Firearms Act. 1968 Section 18(1)	16	14	21	12	11
Possession of an air weapon or imitation air weapon with intent to cause fear of violence	Firearms Act, 1968 Section 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994	136	141	154	120	127
Possession of an air weapon by persons previously convicted of crime	Firearms Act 1968 Section 21(4) as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Section 157 Sch. 8 part III	73	73	51	54	57

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many residents of Oldham West and Royton qualify for paid leave entitlements. [170941]

All workers resident in Oldham West and Royton qualify for paid annual leave entitlements; at least four weeks as set out in the Working Time Regulations. Whilst all women are entitled to 26 weeks ordinary maternity leave, only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to claim statutory maternity pay for that period.All employees in Oldham West and Royton who are eligible will be entitled to take statutory paternity leave with pay and statutory adoption leave with pay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many residents of South Ribble qualify for paid leave entitlements. [172149]

All workers resident in South Ribble qualify for paid annual leave entitlements; at least four weeks as set out in the Working Time Regulations. Whilst all women are entitled to 26 weeks ordinary maternity leave, only those who meet the eligibility criteria will be able to claim statutory maternity pay for that period.All employees in South Ribble who are eligible will be entitled to take statutory paternity leave with pay and statutory adoption leave with pay.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought for offences involving air guns in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [172444]

The available information is given in the table.Statistics for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on preventing (a) crimes and (b) accidents involving air guns. [172447]

The Government are determined to tackle all aspects of gun crime and the underlying culture that supports it, working with the police and other statutory agencies, the voluntary sector and local communities, to tackle gun crime on a variety of fronts.We have recently introduced measures in the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 raising the age limit to 17 for owning air weapons and making it an offence to have an air weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. This means that the police can now challenge anybody seen in a public place with an air weapon and arrest them if they are unable to give a satisfactory explanation.The Home Office produces a leaflet on the safe use of air weapons and arrangements have been made for a copy to be included with all new purchases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to visit Huntingdon Life Sciences in Huntingdon. [170856]

I have no plans at present to visit Huntingdon Life Sciences. However, since becoming Home Secretary, I and other Home Office Ministers have held many discussions aimed at ensuring businesses and individuals involved in important scientific research and testing where animal experimentation is necessary can safely carry on their work without impediment from those who try to intimidate or obstruct them. Most recently, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Caroline Flint) met with you on 29 March 2004 to discuss the adverse effect the activities of animal rights extremist is having on members of staff at Huntingdon Life Sciences and the surrounding community.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken to curb illegal activities of animal rights activists. [172060]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 6 May 2004, Official Report, column 1692W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children have been prosecuted for arson in each of the last seven years. [169107](2) how many children have been prosecuted for arson under the influence of sniffing petrol in each of the last seven years. [169108]

The requested information on the number of persons aged 10 and under 18 years proceeded against for arson, England and Wales 1996 to 2002 is contained in the table.It is not possible from the information collected centrally by the Home Office to identify the number of persons aged 10 and under 18 years who were proceeded against for arson, who had been under the influence of sniffing petrol.Statistics on court proceedings for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

Number of persons aged 10 and under 18 years proceeded against at the magistrates; courts for arson—England and Wales 1996 to 20021
	Proceeded against
1996	708
1997	878
1998	823
1999	924
2000	1,005
2001	1,134
2002	1,064
1These data are on the principal offence basis

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much public funding has been spent on CCTV security cameras in Sittingbourne and Sheppey since 1997. [170289]

Since 1997, the Home Office has provided a total of £471,347 for CCTV schemes to Swale Borough Council, which includes the Sittingbourne and Sheppey constituency.Allocation of that funding is a matter for Swale Borough Council and Kent County Constabulary. The information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much public funding has been spent on CCTV security cameras in Oldham, West and Royton since 1997. [170956]

Since 1997, the Home Office has provided £221,938 to Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, which includes the Oldham West and Royton Constituency for CCTV schemes.Allocation of funds across this area is the responsibility of Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council and Greater Manchester Police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received on injuries sustained by children in penal institutions, with particular reference to broken limbs; how many such injuries were suffered by children in such institutions in each of the last five years; how many and what percentage of the total are considered to have been inflicted by staff working in such institutions; what plans he has to introduce new or revised policies on the issue; and if he will make a statement. [169526]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has not received any recent representations on this subject.Statistical information on injuries is not collected centrally, but the Youth Justice Board has been reviewing the use of physical restraint procedures and the National Children's Bureau recently produced a report for the board on the use of physical intervention within the juvenile secure estate. The board is currently drawing up a code of practice on the use of physical restraint, which it is intended will apply in all establishments holding young people under 18. The board is also planning to review the techniques that are used in establishments, in the light of the tragic death of Gareth Myatt at Rainsbrook on 19 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each civil service grade within his (a) Department and (b) Department's executive agencies, the total number of staff employed, broken down by (i) gender, (ii) ethnic group and (iii) age group and how many are registered disabled. [166390]

Data on staffing levels in the Civil Service is collected by the Cabinet Office and published in Civil Service Statistics. A copy of Civil Service Statistics, 2002 is available in the Library, and at www.civil-service.gov.uk/statistics. The 2003 edition will be published in summer 2004.More recent data for the Home Department and its executive agencies is given in the tables, which will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the grant from public funds to the Commission for Racial Equality in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in distributing funds to commission area councils for racial equality, including Bexley. [169448]

The grant-in-aid paid to the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) in each of the last five years was as follows:

	£ million
2000–2001	16.685
2001–2002	20.516
2002–2003	20.424
2003–2004	123.902
2004–2005	19.200
1 A further £4 million was provided in-year to cover a predicted shortfall in the value of Race Equality Council pension scheme.

Substantial additional sums were allocated in the three year period 2001–02 to 2003–04 to allow the CRE to implement the provisions of the Race Relations Amendment Act and its modernisation programme. This increase was carried forward to the baseline for this year. The new baseline of £19.2 million (which includes a 4.5 per cent. reduction in administration costs) will be the starting point for considering next year's budget.The closing date for bids for Section 44 applications grants was 13 February 2004. Since that time the CRE and the Home Office have been working to agree this years delegated budget, and the CRE has been assessing a large pool of applications in accordance with its criteria. The number of successful applicants is higher than last year. The Commission notified applicants of its funding decisions on Thursday 6 May 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters his Department received from the right hon. and hon. Members in each month (a) between May 1997 and June 2001 and (b) since June 2001. [163122]

The information is as follows:

(a)
Month	No of letters received1
April 2001	1,734
May 2001	1,423
June 2001	1,065
1excludes letters addressed to officials/agencies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has taken to encourage business participation in crime and disorder reduction partnerships. [172428]

We fully recognise the importance of business participation in the work of crime and disorder reduction partnerships (CDRPs) and we have taken steps in a number of ways to encourage this.Firstly, companies and retail bodies are named under section 5(3) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 as invitees to participate in CDRP audits which are currently under way.We have also appointed 10 regional business crime reduction advisers who are currently engaged in a mapping exercise that will pull together data on how CDRPs across the country are prioritising business crime in their strategies. The advisers will work with the CDRPs to promote ways of including business crime activities in their strategies.A new toolkit on audits and strategies has been developed for CDRPs on the Crime Reduction website and a section on consulting on the findings of the audit will be available shortly highlighting the importance of consulting businesses during this process.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the figures for crime and disorder reduction partnerships were for (a) violence against the person, (b) sex offences, (c) robbery, (d) burglary, (e) theft of a motor vehicle, (f) theft from a vehicle and (g) total crime in each year since 1999 to 2000. [170373]

Recorded crime statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) level for the six offence groups mentioned are available on a financial year basis from 1999–2000. There are currently 376 CDRPs in England and Wales.CDRP figures for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 were published in July 2001 (Table 10 of Statistical Bulletin 12/01 'England and Wales, 12 months to March 2002') and can be accessed via the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics website at the following address: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hosb1201.pdfCDRP figures for 2001–02 and 2002–03 can be found on the same website at the following address: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs2/hosb703supl.xlsThe National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) was introduced across England and Wales in April 2002. Some police forces adopted the standard prior to this date. Broadly, the NCRS had the effect of increasing the number of crimes recorded by the police. Therefore, following the introduction of the standard, numbers of recorded crimes are not directly comparable with previous years.The new Home Office website www.crimestatistics.org.uk/tool/contains quarterly data for the 2002–03 financial year at CDRP level for a wide range of offences within the Recorded Crime series.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders have been enrolled in the Criminal Justice Interventions Programme since its inception. [172496]

The Criminal Justice Interventions Programme (CJIP) is a three-year programme to develop and integrate measures for directing drug-misusing offenders out of crime and into treatment. The programme draws together and builds on the best existing solutions available and introduces new elements. Delivery at a local level is through integrated teams, using a case management approach to offer access to treatment and support from an offender's first point of contact with the criminal justice system through custody, court, sentence and beyond.As the programme engages offenders in a wide range of circumstances and at different times in an individuals' contact with the Criminal Justice System, there is no concept of "enrolling" offenders in the programme. Data systems for analysing activity and outcomes across the programme are still in progress but by March 2004 some 2,800 offenders per month were being drug tested of whom 52 per cent. were testing positive. Approximately 900 Drug Treatment and Testing Orders were being commenced each month and criminal justice drugs workers were making 5,500 contacts with offenders. These numbers will increase from April 2004 as 36 more Basic Command Units join the full programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions were made for riding a cycle (a) without lights during the hours of darkness and (b) on the pavement in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [172156]

180 defendants were proceeded against in England and Wales in 2002 for lighting and reflector offences connected with bicycles (this includes cycling without lights during the hours of darkness) and 94 defendants were proceeded against for cycling on the footway (pavement).Statistics on court proceedings for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a new penalty category of offences committed by drivers without a licence who maim or kill. [169072]

The Government is reviewing the existing framework of the criminal law concerning bad driving, particularly where death or injury results, in order to ensure that appropriate offences and penalties are put in place. The offence of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence is not specifically included within the terms of reference of the review, which focus on the standard of driving, but the Government will of course consider all responses and issues raised during the consultation process. We hope to publish a consultation paper in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Department is taking to work with and assist the Portugese authorities in policing the Euro 2004 football tournament. [172493]

Multi-agency preparations for Euro 2004, co-ordinated by the Home Office, have been under way for two years. The preparations will be the most extensive ever for an overseas tournament and incorporate very close and effective liaison with the Portuguese Government, police and other authorities.A joint communique on Anglo/Portuguese police co-operation, signed in February 2004 by the Minister of State for policing and her Portuguese counterpart, identified some key measures designed to minimise the risk of significant disorder involving England fans. These measures centred on maximum use of tough banning order legislation to prevent around 2,500 known English football troublemakers from traveling to the tournament and the deployment in Portugal of an English police delegation expert in policing English football crowds.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received regarding the number of police officers seconded to the National Criminal Intelligence Service. [173135]

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 28 April 2004, Official Report, column 1105W.The balance between the need to retain skills and contacts with local forces, while developing new capabilities is a matter for the Director General of the National Criminal Intelligence Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 19 April 2004, Official Report, column 106W, on paedophilia, for what reason the Prison Service does not have a specific offence code to cover paedophiles. [169105]

There is no specific offence code to cover paedophiles because there is no specific offence of "paedophilia". The sexual abuse of children can occur in a variety of ways and our law, if it is to be effective, has to reflect this. The Sexual Offences Act 2003, which came into force on 1 May 2004, includes a variety of new offences which cover various forms of sexual abuse inflicted on children.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the budget outturn for (a) the National Probation Service and (b) HM Prison Service was for (i) 2002–03 and 2003–04. [166594]

The National Probation Service budget outturn for 2002–03 was £693.3 million. The forecast outturn for 2003–04 is £851.0 million and includes £80 million for Electronic Monitoring, which was not part of the service in the previous year.The Prison Service budget outturn for 2002–03 was £2,636 million. The forecast outturn for 2003–04 is £2,377 million. The 2003–04 figures exclude the costs of the privately managed prisons (£173.6 million) and include income from the Department of Health to meet Prison Healthcare of £130 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the (a) National Criminal Intelligence Service and (b) National Crime Squad Service Authorities will cease to exist when the Serious Organised Crime Agency becomes operational; and if he will make a statement. [172398]

Proposals for the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) were set out in the White Paper "One Step Ahead: A 21st century strategy to defeat organised crime" (CM6167), published on 29 March. As the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) and the National Crime Squad (NCS) will become part of SOCA there will no longer be a role for the current Service Authority once the new agency comes into being.We have invited comments on the White Paper proposals by 30 July and will consider these carefully when planning the new agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had on reducing the standards of proof in trials of terrorist or other serious criminal offences. [171480]

I have had no recent discussions on this issue. As I said on 25 February 2004, Official Report, column 328, it is not my intention to lower the standard of proof in criminal cases.A discussion paper on the future of our anti-terrorism law is currently out for consultation and I look forward to hearing the right hon. Member's contribution to that consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to chief constables to enforce the provisions of the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 relating to vehicle registration plates. [172158]

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has undertaken a number of actions to raise police awareness of these provisions. These include guidance on police powers of entry and inspection of registered premises, a telephone helpline (also available to vehicle registration plate suppliers and trading standards officers), meetings with police forces and accompanying police on targeted operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been made in the last 12 months for which figures are available for breaches of provisions of the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 relating to vehicle registration plates; and how many of these involved (a) the incorrect positioning of letters and numbers and (b) an incorrect typeface. [172159]

Within the Home Office Court Proceedings Database individual offences under the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001 cannot be separately identified. In 2002 no prosecutions were recorded under the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many officers have been employed by the British Transport Police in each year since 1997. [171899]

The British Transport Police (BTP) have provided the following information on officers employed by the BTP since 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British Transport Police officers patrol on board trains after 11 p.m. on (a) weekdays and (b) weekends. [171901]

The British Transport Police (BTP) do not record this information at such a specific level. Officers actively patrol railway property including stations and trains.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research his Department has conducted into the (a) levels and (b) effects of (i) noise and (ii) air pollution on the residents of (A) Harborough District, (B) Oadby and Wigston Borough, (C) Melton Borough, (D) Charnwood District, (E) Loughborough and (F) North West Leicestershire District arising from increases in day and night flights into and out of Nottingham East Midlands Airport by (1) 5,000, (2) 10,000, (3) 20,000, (4) 30,000, (5) 40,000, (6) 50,000, (7) 60,000, (8) 70,000 and (9) 80,000 aircraft movements per year over the next decade; and what assessment has been made of the effects in each case of such increases between 10 pm and 6 am each day; [173011](2) what research his Department has conducted into the

Environmental controls at Nottingham East Midlands Airport are a matter for local control by the airport.It is not envisaged that air pollution from these levels of movements would result in exceedence of any air quality standards. Under the system of local air quality management (LAQM), local authorities have a duty to review and assess the current, and likely future, air quality in their areas against the national objectives set out in the "Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland" and prescribed in the Air Quality Regulations 2000.The Department is engaged in a major research study looking into attitudes to aircraft noise, "Attitudes to Noise from Aviation Sources in England" (ANASE). Phase 1, which is nearing completion, is intended to ensure that the methodology for valuing subjective annoyance from aircraft noise, to be used in phase 2 (the main social survey), is robust.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the (a) employees of the airport and (b) the airline companies that use or intend to use this airport with whom Ministers and officials held discussions about the expansion of the capacity of Nottingham East Midlands Airport; when and where the discussions took place; and which Ministers and officials conducted them. [173012]

During the preparation of the White Paper "The Future of Air Transport", Ministers and officials discussed the future of Nottingham East Midlands Airport on numerous occasions with a wide range of interested parties as part of the extensive consultation process. These included the management of the airport and its parent company and relevant airlines, but also other parties concerned with the future development of the airport including its consultative committee, local authorities, regional and local development agencies, business interests and environmental and local community groups. Similar discussions will continue to take place as we look to implement the policies set out in the White Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's policy is on the level of use of the Antonov and Boeing 747 400 freighter aircraft at Nottingham East Midlands Airport; and if he will make a statement. [173014]

The Department does not have a policy on which types of aircraft may use particular airports, providing that restrictions such as planning conditions and noise agreements are observed and safety requirements are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's policy is on the (a) expansion and (b) restriction of night flights over rural areas; and if he will make a statement. [173013]

At airports designated for the purposes of section 78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982, controls on aircraft noise at night may be set under that power: at present, only Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted are so designated. At regional airports, controls may be imposed voluntarily by the airport operator, in consultation with those affected. The Department has issued Guidance to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on how to assess environmental impacts of changes to airspace arrangements to augment directions to the CAA under section 66(1) of the Transport Act 2000. The guidance picks up and promotes broader Government policy that the CAA should pursue policies that will help to preserve the tranquillity of the countryside where this does not increase significantly the environmental burdens on congested areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency report on the condition of SS Richard Montgomery, what the (a) timing and (b) frequency will be of further surveys of the main crack at the No. 2 Hatch. [172571]

Surveys are undertaken during optimal tidal and weather conditions. For visual inspections this is on Neap Tides during the summer months.The survey of the SS Richard Montgomery is an evolving process which takes advantage of new technology and understanding. Diver surveys have been undertaken on approximately a decennial basis, with intervening sonar surveys to increase knowledge of the status of the wreck and surrounding area. It is not anticipated that another full visual diver survey of No. 2 Hatch area will be undertaken until 2013. However, if intervening surveys suggest a requirement to gather such information earlier, a visual survey would then be commissioned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake further sampling and metallurgical analysis of the hull plates on the SS Richard Montgomery in the Thames. [172572]

The form of the next survey, planned for 2005, will be discussed with specialist advisers, and decisions will be based on furthering knowledge of relevant aspects of the condition of the wreck. The use of sonar (multi-beam, sidescan), Remotely Operated Vehicle, physical sampling, and visual or ultra sonic diver survey will all be considered, and might include further sampling and metallurgical analysis. However, as stated in the most recent report, there has been little appreciable change to the thickness of the hull plating in the last 22 years, so there is no reason to suggest this will be necessary before the next full diving survey.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the implications for the Droitwich Spa office of Customs and Excise of the proposed closure of the Army Medal Office. [171977]

I understand that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are to close their office in Droitwich. HM Customs and Excise have an arrangement with the MOD to occupy the building until March 2006. Customs are now considering the implications for its 115 staff based at Droitwich and are exploring alternative accommodation options.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many spot checks the Inland Revenue has carried out on child care providers to check that the childcare tax credit has been properly used in each quarter since the introduction of the childcare tax credit. [171603]

Of working tax credit awards for 2003–04 that included help with child care costs, there were about 350,000 instances in which claimants reported making payments to child care providers. For all of these, Inland Revenue has contacted the child care provider by letter or telephone to check child care.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his Answer of 1 April 2004, Official Report, column 1677W, on the Gershon Review, when he expects the first reductions in the number of civil servants to be made as a result of the Lyons Review. [171393]

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave in the House on 13 May 2004, Official Report, column 466.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 1 Apirl, Official Report, column 1677W, on the Gershon Review, when he expects the first reductions in the number of civil servants to be made towards the reduction of 14.000 civil servants in the Inland Revenue and HM Customs [171394]

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave yesterday in the House Official Report, column 453—and in particular that implementing the job reductions will be included in the remit of the first executive Chairman of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the information set out in the Answer of 10th June 2003, Official Report,

Council tax as a percentage of gross income
Great Britain											Percentages
	Quintile groups of all households ranked by equivalised disposable income
		Bottom		2nd		3rd		4th		Top	All households
2001–02 Quintile points (equivalised disposable income, £ per year)	Great Britain		10,647		14,943		20,231		28,840
	England		10,771		15,094		20,641		29,328
	Scotland		10,035		13,838		18,331		26,339
	Wales		10,103		14,367		18,429		25,604
Gross council tax	Great Britain	7.2		4.4		3.1		2.3		1.4	2.6
	England	7.1		4.3		3.0		2.2		1.4	2.5
	Scotland	8.4		5.3		3.8		3.0		2.1	3.4
	Wales	6.0		3.5		2.6		2.1		1.4	2.3
Net council tax1	Great Britain	4.7		3.3		2.8		2.3		1.4	2.2
	England	4.7		3.3		2.8		2.2		1.3	2.2
	Scotland	5.0		4.1		3.3		2.9		2.1	2.9
	Wales	4.2		2.5		2.5		2.1		1.4	2.0
2002–03 Quintile points (equivalised disposable income, £ per year)	Great Britain		11,242		15,541		20,977		29,745
	England		11,397		15,870		21,392		30,254
	Scotland		10,503		13,965		18,679		26,176
	Wales		9,902		14,392		18,695		26,080
Gross council tax	Great Britain	7.1		4.6		3.2		2.4		1.6	2.7
	England	7.1		4.4		3.1		2.4		1.5	2.7
	Scotland	8.4		5.8		4.3		3.0		2.0	3.4
	Wales	6.2		4.0		2.8		2.2		1.6	2.6

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statisticion. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the assistance being provided by (a) the Government and (b) government agencies to the Metropolitan Police with regard to Operation Gestalt. [172421]

It is for the Metropolitan Police Service to determine the nature and extent of their inquiries and the information they require. The Commissioners of Customs and Excise have made it clear that the police will have their full co-operation in any investigation.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Inland Revenue expects to finalise awards of (a) child tax credit and (b) working tax credit in respect of 2003–04. [172897]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Birmingham Northfield (Richard Burden) on 19 November 2003, Official Report, columns 1099–1100W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in Blackpool, South have received the child tax credit. [173065]

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Burton (Mrs. Dean) on 15 March 2004, Official Report, column 98W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the percentage change in conceptions among girls under (a) 18 and (b) 16 years in Kent is since 2001. [172214]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Wigan have received a computer to assist in seeking employment or retraining. [169362]

No computers have been purchased for customers within the Wigan District. However, help has been provided to three customers to upgrade an existing computer; to enable the purchase of parts to repair a computer; and for the purchase of a printer. The purchase of such items is via the Advisers Discretionary Fund (ADF). ADF is a financial option designed to help Jobcentre Plus customers make the transition from claiming benefits to employment. ADF was introduced to help support customers with their jobsearch and/or to purchase essential items without which they would be unable to take up a job. Advisers have the discretion to make awards from the ADF, up to a maximum of £300, for any goods and services needed to support the customer in taking up a job.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many new appointments have been made to his Department and its agencies in the last five years; and of these how many were aged (a) 60 years or over and (b) 65 years or over. [173298]

Information on the number of new appointments made to the Department for Work and Pensions and its agencies in the last three years is in the table. Information on new recruits in earlier years is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the provision of employment training in Wirral, South. [168912]

Employment training for unemployed people in Wirral South is available through a range of Jobcentre Plus programmes. Training is provided in occupations including: construction, engineering, administration, agriculture, retail, basic skills, IT, health care and self employment.People in Wirral South can also access training in construction and IT through our Ambition programmes. These programmes are designed to give unemployed and disadvantaged people the skills and experience they need to get sustained jobs with career potential in areas of specific local labour market shortages. On the 28 April, we announced our Ambition Health programme which will give people the chance of support and training to help them into jobs in the NHS. The Merseyside pilot, which Wirral South residents will be able to access, starts in September.Help with travel costs is available for unemployed people undertaking our training programmes, and those known to face particular disadvantage in the labour market may be exempt from an unemployment qualifying period and can join Jobcentre Plus programmes from day one of their unemployment. These can include: disabled people, lone parents and people with basic skills needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what representations the Government has received from (a), sporting groups and (b) others involved in outdoor pursuits with regard to health and safety issues within the last six months; and if he will make a statement. [168232]

[holding answer 28 April 2004]: The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcement of health and safety legislation in Great Britain. It has received approximately 430 representations from sporting groups and others involved in outdoor pursuits with regard to health and safety issues within the last six months. This includes meetings, letters to Ministers and officials in HSE, and also approximately 350 responses to the Health and Safety Commission's consultation document on proposals for work at height regulations. HSC/E is currently considering these and other responses to the consultation document before putting final proposals to Ministers. I also refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Bedfordshire North East on the 26 April 2004, Official Report, column 847–48W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his most recent estimate is of the average time between a pensioner submitting an application for pension credit and receipt of the first payment. [172003]

The information is not available in the form requested. However, the average time taken to clear Pension Credit applications in March was 9.6 working days, running from the time when all the necessary evidence has been obtained from the customer to the point at which a decision on the application is made. Payment will normally follow within a few days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether his Department plans to reduce the length of the pension credit application form. [172006]

The pension credit application form is kept under review and improved where necessary, most recently in April this year. There are no current plans to fundamentally alter its format or length. The application process for pension credit has been designed to be straightforward and the majority of application forms are completed for the customer over the freephone application line.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 4 May 2004, Official Report, column 1461W, on pensions, if he will estimate the effects of this reform in 2006–07 on the number of recipients of pension credit. [173397]

It is estimated that under the suggested reform there would be 1,100,000 fewer recipients of pension credit in 2006–07 (rounded to the nearest 100,000) than under the existing system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding will be provided for adult learning in colleges over the next four years. [171890]